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RHA calls for a 50mph speed limit
Page 7
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ROAD HAULAGE Association chairman Val Smith is calling for the Department for Transport to review HGV speed limits, adding weight to CM 's campaign.
Speaking at the RH A's annual lunch. Smith told Transport SecretaryAlistair Darling that the 40mph limits must be reviewed:"We know it is an emotive issue,but this should not obscure common sense. The 40naph limit on single carriageway roads is too slow."
She added that custom and practice has led to 50mph being the "normal speed" to avoid the build-up of long columns of frustrated motorists and van drivers.
"We do not condone such violation of the speed laws," she said,"but in the past the police have usedcommon sense in enforcement.
"Now, cameras have replaced the police." she added. "They cannot make a judgement — they just convict the skilled people who drive UK trucks."
Smith told Darling that she believed the DIT should consider changing speed limits as part of its current review on speeding and penalty enforcement.
She added that a compromise measure could see tighter tolerances for any excess than is presently the case.
Smith also quizzed Darling about why the road transport industry is at the back of the queue when it comes to releasing regulations on time: "We are just 20 weeks away from the start of the Road Transport Directive, and we have still not had sight of the regulations concern ing its operation.
"Even when published there will be a six-week consultation period and then no doubt time for the outcome to join the queue for legal consideration.It will not be weeks before 23 March before we get the final regulations. perhaps not even days —more like hours," she warned.
According to Darling, the regulations are due to be released this month, and he said they would -follow the approach set out earlier this year".